Hamas appoints Khalil al-Hayya as 'political' chief

Hamas announced Monday the election of Khalil al-Hayya as the new head of its political bureau, succeeding Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in October 2024. Al-Hayya, who previously served as Sinwar's deputy and was elected Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip in May, has been based primarily in Qatar since before the October 7, 2023, attacks. Hamas stated, "The Islamic Resistance Movement [Hamas] announces the election of the mujahid [jihadist] brother Khalil al-Hayya as head of the movement's political bureau, succeeding the martyred leader Yahya Sinwar." He has maintained close ties with Tehran and has led Hamas's negotiating team in ceasefire talks with the United States. This appointment follows the elimination of all three of Hamas's top leaders by Israeli security forces within approximately a year after the October 7 massacre.